20 Denny’s Interview Questions and Answers

When you’re interviewing for a job at a specific company, you can expect to be asked interview questions that are relevant to the company’s culture, values, and business. For example, if you’re interviewing for a job at a restaurant, you can expect to be asked questions about your experience in the food service industry and how you would deal with difficult customer service situations.

To help you prepare for your interview, we’ve compiled a list of sample interview questions that you may be asked if you’re interviewing for a job at Denny’s.

Denny’s Interview Process

The interview process at Denny’s can vary depending on the position you are applying for. For entry-level positions, such as servers, hosts, and line cooks, the interview process is typically fairly straightforward and consists of one or two interviews. For management positions, such as restaurant manager or general manager, the interview process may be more extensive and include multiple rounds of interviews. Overall, the interview process is generally not too difficult, although some applicants have found the questions to be somewhat challenging. The experience is generally positive, with most applicants finding the staff to be friendly and helpful.

1. Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced environment?

Working in a restaurant can be hectic at times. Employers ask this question to make sure you’re comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and that you have the ability to multitask. In your answer, explain how you stay organized and prioritize tasks. Show them that you are confident in your abilities by sharing an example of a time when you worked in a busy environment.

Example: “I am very comfortable working in a fast-paced environment. I find it easier to work quickly than slowly because I feel like I get more done. At my last job, we were always busy. There was rarely a moment where there weren’t multiple tables needing food or drinks. I found that if I focused on one task at a time, I could get through everything much quicker. I would take orders, deliver food and drinks and then clean up after each table.”

2. Tell me about your experience with customer service.

Customer service is a major part of working at Denny’s. The hiring manager wants to know that you have experience with this type of work and can apply it to your new role. Use examples from previous jobs where you helped customers or clients solve problems, assisted them in finding what they needed or provided excellent customer service.

Example: “I worked as a server for five years before moving into management. During my time as a server, I learned how important it was to provide great customer service. I always made sure to greet every table with a smile and make eye contact with everyone at the table. If someone had a question about the menu, I would answer it thoroughly and help them find something they liked. I also used active listening skills when taking orders so I could ensure accuracy.”

3. What would you do if you saw another employee making an error on the line?

This question can help the interviewer assess your ability to work as part of a team and communicate with other employees. Showcase your communication skills, problem-solving abilities and willingness to help others succeed in their job by providing an example of how you would handle this situation.

Example: “If I saw another employee making an error on the line, I would first approach them privately to let them know about it so they could correct it before serving customers. If there was no way to fix the mistake without affecting customer orders, I would take over that task until the original employee was able to resume their duties.”

4. How would you handle an unhappy customer?

Dining establishments often have customers who are unhappy about something. The interviewer wants to know how you would handle this situation in a way that is professional and helpful for the customer and the restaurant. Use examples from your experience where you helped an upset customer feel better or solved their problem.

Example: “I once had a customer who was upset because they didn’t get enough bacon on their BLT. I apologized, explained that we were out of bacon but offered them another sandwich at no charge. They seemed happy with this solution and left me a good tip. In my experience, it’s best to be honest with customers and try to make things right as much as possible.”

5. Do you have any previous cooking experience?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your cooking skills and how you use them in your work. If you have previous experience, share what kind of food you cooked and any specialties you had. If you don’t have any professional cooking experience, you can talk about your favorite recipes or mention that you enjoy cooking at home.

Example: “I worked as a short-order cook at my uncle’s diner when I was in high school. It was a small place with only five tables, but we made some delicious comfort food. I learned a lot from working there, including how to make all kinds of pancakes and waffles. My specialty was making omelets, though. I could make over 20 different types.”

6. Describe how you feel about teamwork and what role you usually play in a team setting.

Denny’s is a restaurant chain that relies on teamwork to ensure customers have an enjoyable experience. Your answer should show the interviewer you understand how important teamwork is and what role you play in it.

Example: “I believe teamwork is essential for any business because it allows everyone to work together toward a common goal. In my previous job, I was part of a team that worked together to create new dishes for our restaurant. My role was to listen to other people’s ideas and offer suggestions based on my own experiences. This helped me learn from others while also contributing my own unique perspective.”

7. Have you ever had to deal with a difficult coworker or manager? If so, how did you resolve it?

Dining room servers often work with many different people, including customers and coworkers. Employers ask this question to make sure you can resolve conflicts in the workplace. In your answer, explain how you worked through a conflict with another person. Try to focus on what steps you took to solve the problem rather than who was at fault.

Example: “I once had a coworker who would frequently take breaks when I needed help. This made it difficult for me to keep up with my tables. When I asked her if she could cover more of our tables, she became defensive. She said that she wasn’t taking any extra breaks. After talking with her about the issue, we realized that she didn’t realize how much time she was spending away from her tables. We came up with a solution where she agreed to spend less time on breaks each day.”

8. Give us an example of a time where you went above and beyond for a customer.

This question is a great way to show your dedication and willingness to help others. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think of a specific situation where you helped someone in need or went above and beyond for a customer.

Example: “When I was working at my previous job as a server, there was an older gentleman who came into the restaurant every day for lunch. He always ordered the same thing, but one day he didn’t come in. I asked our hostess if she knew what happened to him, and she said that his wife had recently passed away. So, I made sure to check with her regularly to see if he was coming back. After about two weeks, he finally returned to the restaurant. I greeted him like usual and told him how much we missed having him around. He thanked me for checking up on him and explained that he just needed some time to get through the grieving process.”

9. Can you give me two examples of when you were able to work well under pressure?

Working in the food service industry often requires you to work under pressure. Employers ask this question to learn more about your ability to handle stress and perform well when it matters most. In your answer, try to provide two specific examples of times where you were able to work well under pressure. Try to choose situations that highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to stay calm.

Example: “In my previous position as a server at a local restaurant, I was working one night during a busy dinner rush. One of our cooks got sick, so we had to close down for an hour while we found a replacement cook. This meant that all servers had to take on additional tables to make up for lost time. I stayed calm and helped my fellow servers by taking care of some of their tables so they could focus on others. We managed to get through the rush without any major issues.”

10. Why do you want to be a server at Denny’s?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your personality and how you feel about working at Denny’s. They want to know that you are passionate about serving customers, enjoy interacting with people and have a genuine interest in working at their restaurant. When preparing your answer, try to focus on specific aspects of the job that appeal to you.

Example: “I’ve always enjoyed being around people, so I knew from an early age that I wanted to work in the service industry. I started waiting tables when I was 16 years old, and it has been one of my favorite jobs ever since. I love meeting new people and getting to know them over a delicious meal. I also really like the fast-paced environment of a busy restaurant.”

11. When was the last time you worked as part of a team?

Working as part of a team is an important skill for any restaurant employee. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience working with others and that you’re comfortable doing so. In your answer, explain what made the situation a team effort. Share how you contributed to the success of the team.

Example: “At my current job, I work alongside two other servers. We often cover each other when we need breaks or help one another out if someone gets swamped with tables. It’s nice to be able to rely on my coworkers like this because it makes our jobs more enjoyable. When one of us has a particularly busy night, the others pitch in to help them get through their shift.”

12. We are looking for someone who can take initiative. Provide an example of a time when you took initiative.

Taking initiative is a skill that employers look for in their employees. They want to know you can take charge and get things done without needing constant supervision. When answering this question, think of an example where you took the lead on a project or task and it resulted in positive results.

Example: “At my previous job, I was working with a team of people who were all new to the company. We had been tasked with creating a marketing campaign for one of our clients. After we met with the client, they mentioned they wanted us to include social media as part of the campaign. I volunteered to create the social media portion of the campaign, which included designing a Facebook page, Instagram account and Twitter profile.”

13. What is your availability like?

Employers ask this question to make sure you can work the hours they need. They also want to know if you have any conflicts with their current staff. Be honest about your availability and try to be flexible. If you are not available during a certain time, explain why.

Example: “I am currently only available for full-time employment. I am in school right now, so my schedule is pretty packed. However, once I graduate, I will be able to work more hours per week. I would love to work extra shifts when possible.”

14. How often do you think that you should communicate status updates to your manager?

This question can help the interviewer determine how often you expect to be in contact with your manager and whether you’re comfortable doing so. It’s important to show that you value communication, but also that you understand when it’s appropriate to do so.

Example: “I think it’s important to communicate status updates to my manager at least once a week. I want them to know what’s going on in my workday and if there are any issues or concerns that may affect my performance. However, I’m also aware that sometimes things happen that aren’t within my control, so I don’t feel the need to constantly update my manager unless something is urgent.”

15. What qualities make a good host/hostess?

Dining establishments often have hosts and hostesses to greet customers, seat them and answer any questions they may have. Employers ask this question to make sure you know what qualities are important in a host or hostess. Use your answer to explain which of these qualities you possess.

Example: “A good host or hostess is friendly, welcoming and helpful. They should be able to communicate well with others and solve problems. I think it’s also important that they’re organized and efficient. These skills help me ensure the restaurant has enough seating for guests and can take orders quickly.”

16. Would you be willing to assist other employees during rush hours?

Dining establishments like Denny’s often experience a rush of customers during peak hours. Employers ask this question to make sure you’re willing to help your fellow employees when they need it. Use your answer to show that you are a team player and will be willing to pitch in wherever needed.

Example: “I am happy to assist other employees whenever I can. In my previous role, I was the only server on duty one night. The restaurant got so busy that we had to call in another employee to help me. It was quite stressful for both of us, but we managed to get through it together. From then on, we made sure to schedule more servers during peak hours.”

17. Explain to me why you’re interested in becoming a line cook.

This question is a great way for employers to learn more about your personality and how you view the role of line cook. They want someone who’s passionate about cooking, but they also want someone who can work well with others in a fast-paced environment.

Example: “I’ve always loved cooking, so I started out as a home cook. However, after a few years, I realized that I wanted to take my skills to the next level. I enrolled in culinary school where I learned all sorts of new techniques and recipes. Now, I’m ready to put those skills to use in a professional kitchen.”

18. How would you handle a situation where you served a customer something they didn’t order?

This question is a great way to test your customer service skills. It’s important to be honest and admit when you make mistakes, but it’s also important to show that you can learn from them.

Example: “I once served a customer who ordered the chicken strips with fries, but I accidentally gave them the grilled chicken salad with no dressing. When they told me about my mistake, I apologized and offered to replace their meal for free. They were happy with this solution, so I went back into the kitchen and prepared another order of chicken strips with fries. The customer was very pleased with the replacement meal.”

19. What would you do if you noticed that a fellow employee was not following company policy?

This question is an opportunity to show your leadership skills and ability to work as part of a team. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention the steps you would take to address the situation in a positive way.

Example: “If I noticed that a fellow employee was not following company policy, I would first approach them privately to discuss my concerns. If they were aware of their mistake but simply forgot, I would offer to help them learn how to follow the policy correctly. If they did not want my help or if they continued to break the rules after our conversation, I would report the issue to my manager so they could handle the situation.”

20. Describe to me what a typical day looks like in the life of a restaurant manager.

This question is a great way to show the interviewer that you have experience in this role. It also gives them an idea of what your day might look like if they decide to hire you. When answering, try to include all the tasks you would perform on any given day and how you would prioritize them.

Example: “A typical day as a restaurant manager starts with checking the schedule for the day. I make sure everyone’s shifts are correct and that we have enough staff to cover everything. Next, I check the sales reports from the previous night and see which tables were slow or had long wait times. Then, I go over the food orders and make sure there are no shortages. Finally, I meet with my team to discuss any issues or concerns.”